Tennis is one of the most popular sports in the world. It has also become a showcase of fashion. Spectators tune in on TV to catch the scores and many are just as curious about the latest outfit Maria Sharapova’s wearing or the newest shoes on Roger Federer's feet. The list of brands and types of apparel available for tennis continues to grow.
Leading Brands
There are many manufacturers of tennis clothes and shoes. Not all brands make both. Some of the top brands selling both are Nike, Adidas, Prince, Reebok, K-Swiss and Wilson. You will also find that some designers have gotten into the tennis apparel business. Polo by Ralph Lauren, for example, began introduced their line as the clothing sponsors for the U.S. Open in 2005 and continued the partnership beyond the original four-year contract
Advertising
Tennis apparel and footwear advertising is popular, but sponsorships are what gets the brands in front of the public every day. While Serena Williams wears Nike tennis clothes and shoes, other top pros do not stick to the same brand for their entire outfit. Andy Roddick wears Babalot shoes and Lacoste clothing. Professional tennis players are also often involved in the design process of tennis clothes and shoes, letting the manufacturers know what works best for them.
Where to Buy
There are plenty of options when it comes to where to buy tennis clothes and shoes. You will find quite a selection online, both at the brand websites and online stores like Tennis Express and Tennis Warehouse. Most tennis clubs also have pro shops that sell tennis clothes and shoes. They can also usually order specific items for you if they are not in stock. Sports apparel and footwear are also available at department stores like Target and Kohl’s.
Inside Tip
If you are looking for bargains on tennis clothes and shoes, check out the outlet malls. Most of the major bands-like Nike, Reebok and Adidas-have discount stores at outlet centers. Deals at these locations can be 50 percent or more off regular price. You may not be able to find the outfit that just came out, but you can get some great deals on the items from last season or the start of this one. Look online or in your local newspaper for additional discounts at outlet malls.
Considerations
Check with the tennis club you are playing at to find out if they have a dress code. Many do not, in which case you don’t have to spend extra for specific tennis clothes, you can just purchase athletic wear you are comfortable in. Shoes are a different story, however. If you want to play tennis, be sure that you get sneakers made specifically for the game as walking or running shoes without proper support may cause damage to the court or even injury.
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